Mexico and Bolivia cut ties with the Miss Universe organization, which was owned by Trump at the time he contended Mexican immigrants were bringing drugs, crime and rape to the United States.

When Vega called Trump’s remarks “hurtful and unfair,” the Republican presidential hopeful called her a “hypocrite” for not giving up the title.

Her response was that she had no intention of stepping down “because the Miss Universe organization does meaningful social work in communities around the world.”

Interviewed by the Review-Journal this week, Vega said fellow Latin Americans pressured her to relinquish her crown, saying, “You can’t work for that man.”

She said, “A lot of people support him.”

Asked if Trump would be welcome to South America any time soon, her response was, “too risky, too risky.”

The Miss Universe pageant will be held Dec. 20 at the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort. The scene and heard

Clarification: In Wednesday’s column, Frank Sinatra impressionist Bob Anderson criticized Alicia Keys for the way she sang “I’ve Got a Crush on You” in the CBS Sinatra tribute. Anderson said in his Facebook post, “Alicia Keys had no clue on how to interpret that Sammy Cahn song.” George Gershwin composed the song, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. …

The $50 Sinatra special at Hugo’s Cellar at the Four Queens runs through Saturday. Binion’s Steakhouse is also offering the deal, inspired by Sinatra’s favorite dish at the exclusive Regency Room at the Sands.

On this day

Dec. 11, 2009: Country star Garth Brooks ends his semi-retirement with a headliner residency at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The deal included an 11-seat private jet so Brooks could spend time with his family. Dec. 12, 1976: Elvis Presley performs his last show in Las Vegas, a midnight concert at the Hilton. He dies eight months later in Memphis, Tenn., at the age of 42. Sightings Actress and comedian Mindy Kaling, backstage after Penn & Teller‘s show Wednesday at the Rio. … Miss Universe contestants, riding the High Roller at The Linq on Tuesday.

The punch line

“Donald Trump said he would not put Muslims in internment camps. He said they would all stay at his luxurious new Trump Hotel and Internment Resort.” — Conan O’Brien

— Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. On Twitter: @Norm_Clarke

Sparrow + Wolf’s New Year’s Eve party was a sort of official unveiling of its newly renovated space. (Al Mancini/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Las Vegas NYE Fireworks - VIDEO

The full show: A spectacular view from the rooftop of the Trump International Hotel as 80,000 pyrotechnics illuminated the Las Vegas Strip at the stroke of midnight. Fireworks by Grucci choreographed launches from the Stratosphere, the Venetian, Treasure Island, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Aria and MGM Grand.

Debra Kelleher Of The Stirling Club

Debra Kelleher, DK Hospitality President talks with Johnny Kats about the reopening of the Stirling Club.

Richard Ditton Of The Stirling Club

Richard Ditton, an investment partner of the Stirling Club talks with Johnny Kats about the reopening of the club.

NYE at the Stirling Club

John Katsilometes reports from the reopening of the Stirling Club on New Year's Eve 2018.

Michael Stapleton of the Stirling Club

Michael Stapleton, COO of the Stirling Club talks with Johnny Kats about the reopening of the club.

Recap the Countdown on Fremont Street — VIDEO

Nearly 40,000 people packed Fremont Street to enjoy America's Party Downtown. As the tradition stands, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman counted down the clock on the 3rd Street Stage, alongside her husband and former mayor, Oscar Goodman.

New Year's Eve live from the Las Vegas Strip Bellagio Fountains - Video

Reporter Aaron Drawhorn near the Bellagio Fountains as hundreds of thousands gather to celebrate New Year's Eve in Las Vegas

Ryan Reaves describes the flavors in Training Day beer

Ryan Reaves talks about the flavor of Training Day, the new beer from 7Five Brewing that was launched at the PKWY Tavern on West Flamingo Road. (Al Mancini/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Ryan Reaves describes his new beer

Golden Knights winger Ryan Reaves talks about his new beer from 7Five Brewing at a launch party at PKWY Tavern on West Flamingo Road. (Al Mancini/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Vegas' five biggest NYE concerts

Imagine Dragons at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Lady Gaga at The Park Theater at Park MGM, Maroon 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Bruno Mars at T-Mobile Arena, and Tenacious D at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Celebrate New Years Day, Hangover Day and Bloody Mary Day at Cabo Wabo

Celebrate New Years Day, Hangover Day and Bloody Mary Day at Cabo Wabo (Janna Karel Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Michael Symon, chef and owner of Mabel's BBQ, talks about his first Las Vegas restaurant